In June’s issue of The Books Magazine, we highlighted the importance of
having a summer reading list and doing it early.
In this month’s issue, we want to keep you abreast of what’s on our summer reading list and what we’re reading now. Remember your reading list
can be comprised of:


Start with Your WishList! We read One More Candle by Merry
Susiarjo, a wonderful children’s illustrated book that found its way on
our WishList!



Books outside your usual reading genre to catch up on your
quota for the 2013 Reading Challenge. Our read of Daughter of
Joy by Kathleen Morgan is now our #12th challenge read!



Books you want to review or blog about. Leon’s Share Series
Book 1 by Mabel Singletary is an absolute must-read that we wanted
our readers to know about!

Also, check out our complete Summer Reading List on page 10. Feel free
to take from our list and add to yours! Also see our final read that completed our summer reading on page 11.
Although summer is over, please continue reading! Read to learn! Read
for fun! Read!
Happy Reading!

Read our weekly newspaper, DBR Book News Weekly!
DBR Books would like to hear all about your reading experience;
share with us on our Blog, and on Twitter!
3

Recently, The Books Magazine interviewed
artist and illustrator Aaron Bennett. Since the
interview Bennett has been featured in two
NY art shows in Cortland and Binghamton.
Bennett’s recent art show at a Binghamton
local restaurant The Whole in the Wall on the
First Friday Art Walk earlier this month has
been successful. For those who have not yet viewed the pieces, please note
that the show continues for the month of September.
New art pieces will also be mounted for September’s display, including
recent illustrations done for the new children’s book series The Secrets of
Aunt Norah’s House by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes. The book is the
first in the series of children’s mystery books by the author, to encourage
elementary kids to understand the clues, solve the science and math mysteries, and arrive at an answer to find the big treasure hidden in the stories.
Bennett’s love for art has been nurtured since childhood, and he has credited
his inspiration to the artworks of some famous artists and illustrators. In his
interview, Bennett states “I want a creative career that speaks life into
other people’s lives. I want and need purpose. Children’s books can shine a
light of observation on the good things in life and I want to be a part of
that.” To read the entire interview with The Books Magazine, click here.
If you are an author, and would like to retain the graphic and illustrative
services of Aaron Bennett, please take the time to visit his Facebook page to
learn more about his work, and link with him there. [Press Release written by
Children’s Book Examiner]
4

“Children’s books can shine a
light of observation on the good
things in life and I want to be
apart of that.”

Mabel Singletary’s book The
Young Conquerors Series, Leon’s
Share, life for eleven year old Leon
Chandler was living in the shadow of his
older brother Derrick. Having lost their parents three years before in a car crash, the boys
came to live with their grandparents, Pop and
Nana. While Pop and Nana dotes on Derrick,
Leon hides his insecurity behind humor. But
Leon has a secret, one that he wishes to keep
hidden from the rest of the world.
Leon’s Share is written in the first person narrative, which not only makes it an easy
read but also enables readers to be ‘empathically’ transported into the narrator’s
world. This was successfully achieved because the voice and tone the narrator are
very much alive, audible, and consistent, thereby giving the main character a fleshy,
realistic existence. One can feel his exuberance for life and can easily empathize
with his insecurity, and fears.
Singletary’s expressive writing skills are further evident in the other characters of the
story. Even though Leon commands the pages of the book (as the main character
should), the other characters are also well developed, rounded, and three dimensional. Dialogue between the characters is believable and engaging; as are the setting
and the scenes which are detailed and vivid - one could almost smell the sweet
potato pie as it cools on the window sill in Nana’s kitchen!
As the story takes off and readers journey into Leon’s world of joke-telling which
results in disrupting the class, one can see that the book holds Singletary’s 30+ years
of experience as an educator, and it shows in the vividness and ease in which she
tells the story. There’s no doubt that Leon’s Share should be used in elementary
classrooms as it is appropriately written for kids to learn the lessons here about good
social behavior among their peers, character building, and the importance of friendship. In Leon’s Share, there’s a lot for kids to be absorbed in and to sink their reading tentacles in; therefore, teachers can extract the lessons to be learnt through discussion and book reports. For example, one of the main topics for discussion could
6

be: What lessons did Leon learn from his conflict with Autumn?
Also, there’s much to be learned from Mrs. Kelso (Leon’s teacher), who takes all the
“commotion from yesterday and send it someplace faraway” so that Leon could start
each morning as a brand new day! In this very small splice of paragraph, lies a very big
lesson - that each day was an opportunity to do much better than the day before. It’s a
lesson in grace - Mrs. Kelso showing Leon grace, that unmerited favor which he does
not really deserve but nevertheless she treats him as if yesterday did not happen, giving
Leon a chance each day to do better.
As the book comes to a close, readers can especially appreciate the heart warming and
endearing way in which Singletary brought the book to an end. It’s wrapped up in a
series of actions but the most important is the change we see in Leon; a reformation
almost - a reorganization of thinking and habits, giving way to a clearer thought process
as he comes into an understanding of himself and his interaction with others around
him.
Leon’s Share is an absolutely great read, and it’s the kind of book that kids will come
back to over and over again and keep learning from it each time they read!
[Book Review written by DBR Books Blog]

1.

What was your inspiration in writing Leon’s Share?
When I write, I do so with the intention that I am composing stories which can
be tools for social growth and learning. I want children to walk away with a
better understanding and appreciation for others.

During the many years I worked as a teacher, I often saw students who were genuinely
funny. Unfortunately, sometimes children don’t always stop to examine or recognize
the effect their behaviors can have on the feelings of their peers. Also with so much being done and said nowadays about bullying, I want readers to begin putting themselves
in the place of others. I wanted Leon’s Share to be a story about an unlikely friendship
that comes about as a result of a character learning to care about the needs of someone
else.
As a teacher, I saw so many African American boys who were gifted often times act as
though they were embarrassed about being gifted. Sometimes male students would
mask their intelligence by telling jokes or even becoming disruptive. I wanted to write a
story about a young African American boy who realizes it’s alright to be gifted and
even use his gift to help someone else.
7

2. How did your 30+ years as an educator help in the writing of this book?
All of the characters I write about have traces of the children I worked with during my
thirty-two year career as a teacher. Whether a smile or a degree of shyness, many children have stood out and the memories I have of those children are the foundation and
inspiration for my characters.
3. Some kids or parents, when reading this book, may recognize themselves or their
kids within its pages. What would you say to them at this time?
I hope if they recognize themselves in this story, they will walk away feeling a need to
convey to their children that everyone has value and working together with others is key
to building good relationship. Every individual has something to share that can help
make somebody else’s life better.
I hope parents will take a moment to emphasize and help their children see how accepting a person’s disability can actually help their children grow into kind human beings
who know the importance of having compassion for others.
4. Your book is very thought provoking and an inspiration to young readers. What
lessons would you like for kids to take away from this book?
In all of the stories I write, I want young readers to recognize the importance of creating
good friendships. I also hope to encourage their hopes and dreams, build their selfesteem, and create a sense of compassion for those who may be different.
5. This book is the first in the series. What's next for Leon?
I have actually titled this The Young Conquerors Series because each book in the series
will tell the story of a child who overcomes a problem or situation. I want young readers
to know that problems can be solved and goals can be reached. The second young
conqueror story may have a girl as its central character.
[Author interview done by Children’s Book Examiner]
Title & Author: The Young Conquerors Series, Leon’s Share Book 1 by Mabel Singletary
Series: The Young Conquerors Series
Paperback: 134 pages
Publisher: Mabelesingletary.com; 1 edition (February 7, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0988655306
ISBN-13: 978-0988655300

8

DBR ‘s WISHLIST books for September 2013!

Why not make them yours too?

Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo’s
Mission to Pluto
by Oneeka Williams

Mary had a Sleepy
Sheep
by Julia Dweck

Too Much Glue!
by Jason Lefebvre

The Mouse with the
Question Mark Tail
by Richard Peck

Navigating Early
by Clare Vanderpool

Ordinary Dogs, Extraordinary Friendships
Pam Flowers

9

What We’re
Reading Now!
In keeping with the 2013 Reading
Challenge of reading outside our
usual genre, here’s a
sneak peek of what
we’re reading now!

Midnight Marriage
(A Georgian Historical
Romance)
by Lucinda Brant

DBR’s Complete
Summer Reading
List


The Lightkeeper’s Ball by Colleen

Coble


Ivy Secrets by Jean Stone



One Year in Coal Harbor by Polly

Horvath


The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by

Julie Klassen

An Ordinary Toad’s Extraordinary
Night by Joanne McGonagle


Book Description: Two noble teenagers
are married against their will.



Persuasion by Jane Austen

Drugged, Deb has no recollection of events. Disgraced, Julian is banished to the Continent.



The Wedding Planner by Stepha-

Nine years later, Deb falls in love with a wounded
duelist, only to later discover it is her husband
returned incognito!



The Wish List by Gabi Stephens



Sweet Salt Air by Barbara

nie Laurens

Delinsky

Can Deb forgive his cruel deception? Can their
marriage survive beyond seduction?
Meanwhile, Julian's nemesis plots to destroy them
both...



File Size: 854 KB



Print Length: 290 pages



Publisher: Sprigleaf (March 5, 2011)



Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.



ASIN: B004QTOHMS



The Language of Flowers by
Vanessa Diffenbaugh



The Secret Zoo by Bryan Chick



The Icecutter’s Daughter by
Tracie Peterson



One More Candle by Merry
Susiarjo



Daughter of Joy by Kathleen
Morgan

10

Daughter of Joy
by Kathleen Morgan
Book Description: Love, heartbreak, and triumph
lie deep within the wilds of the Colorado highlands.
Abigail Stanton's whole life was rooted in her
faith, a faith she now clings to for survival. After
losing her husband and young son, Abby sets out
alone, bereft, and heartsick. And when she is led to
Conor MacKay's doorstep, the very foundation of her belief starts to shift.
As the volatile rancher's new housekeeper, Abby is supposed to keep his affairs-and his capricious little girl--in order. Abby feels anything but order, though,
when she and Conor are together. Can love heal the wounds of the past? Or will
Abby and Conor risk even greater losses than they have already suffered?
The first in the Brides of Culdee Creek series, Daughter of Joy takes you on a
journey of grief, intrigue, and redeeming love in the nineteenth-century Colorado
highlands.






What if the person
seated next to you was
the last person you’d
ever want to see!

The Woman on the Bus by Dawnette BlackwoodRhoomes, is a short story of a girl's (Melissa) unexpected
encounter with a mysterious passenger and seat partner
on a bus heading toward Rhode Island.
"The bus buzzed to life as she watched a
well-dressed woman burst through the terminal door, obviously fearful she was too
late. She had one piece of luggage, which
she carried unsteadily on her shoulder as she
lengthened her stride toward the bus door."

SALE!

That day when she boarded the bus, she entered Melissa's life. As they journeyed
together, it became apparent that the woman on the bus was the last person Melissa
wanted to meet!


Title & Author: The Woman on the Bus by Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes



File Size: 98 KB Print Length: 13 pages



Publisher: DB-R Designs; 2 edition (June 2, 2011)



Sold by: Smashwords



ISBN: 9780615496856
12

We recently blogged that a new e-book has been
penned by author Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes,
titled Why Should I Believe You?
Here’s the press release:

“

Watch this spot and DBR Books will keep you
posted on a new book release by author,
Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes. Why Should I
Believe You? a spiritually inspiring and empowering book for those who have been struggling with
believing in God's promises, is set to be released on
September 1, 2013.
So have you ever been angry with God? If so, how
did you handle it? Were you even aware that you
were angry with Him? Why Should I Believe
You? is all about the author's anger at God, her
questions and doubts, and accusations that God
does not 'play' fair!
The book is written in first person narrative and is a commentary of her experiences as she came face to face with the real truth about God's promises and His
love.
An e-book, Why Should I Believe You? will be available for free sample and purchase on all e-reader formats this September 1, 2013! A must read!”
Other books by author Dawnette Blackwood-Rhoomes: The Women of Jesus;
The Woman on the Bus; The Secrets of Aunt Norah’s House.
[Press release written by DBR Books Blog]
13

M

erry Susiarjoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book One More Candle is a well-written
book on sibling jealousy, something we all know well in
life. Four year old Nola was not content that her five
year old sister Betty always had one more candle than she did
on her birthday cake. Nola tried to solicit the help of light-giving
things such as the moon and the lighthouse to light one more
candle for her. By her sixth birthday, Nola was ready to give up
on her quest. However, her sister Betty resolves the situation in
14

a heart-warming and endearing way.
The story line is a familiar one - sibling jealousy. However, there
is nothing common about this story, and the way in which the
matter is handled renders the book unique and an excellent read
for kids. It demonstrates love and teaches important lessons on
patience and understanding others, giving a message to show
love even in the smallest of actions! You won’t want to miss the
creatively imaginative way in which Betty resolves the problem,
showing remarkable understanding of what her sister was going
through!
Award winning illustrator Emmeline Pidgen does an excellent job
in bringing the story to life with pastel colored, whimsical drawings which gives the book an ambience of warmth and softness
that tends to transfer to the reader, shaving off the edgy tension
of sibling jealousy.

One More Candle by Merry Susiarjo is appropriate for kids’
ages 3 to 7. The story and its lessons are broken down appropriately for kids; it is also a fun bedtime read too!
Don’t miss our interview with the author—click here!
Review was written by Children’s Book Examiner.]



Title & Author: One More Candle by Merry Susiarjo



Paperback: 32 pages



Publisher: Twelve Elves Books (September 1, 2013)



ISBN-10: 2954371218



ISBN-13: 978-2954371214
15

[This Book

2013 Reading Challenge
Join in the
FUN!

b00k r3vi3ws invites you to
participate in its 2013 Reading Book
Challenge!
So you want to read books by
authors youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never read before?
Well hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance to do it!

Then here's what you need to know about b00k r3vi3ws 2013 Reading Challenge:
1. Read as many books as possible, by authors that YOU haven't read before.
2. You do not have to be a blogger to participate.
3. Books read may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
4. The books can overlap with other reading challenges.
5. Post your links to your reviews each month to share with other participants.
6. The challenge runs from January 1, 2013 to December 1, 2013. Its never too
late to Join In!
Challenge Levels are:
Amateur : Choose to read 1 - 10 New Authors
Lover : Choose to read 11 - 20 New Authors
Expert : Choose to read 20 - 25 New Authors
Fanatic : Choose to read 25 or above New Authors
To know more about this Reading Challenge and to join in with countless readers
and authors, sign up for free on b00k r3vi3ws website and begin today!
16

Reading Challenge Books you might be
interested in!

O

Me Before You
by Jojo Moyes

O

The Husband’s Secret
by Liane Moriarty

O

The White Princess (Cousins’ War)
by Philippa Gregory

O

The Hero (Thunder Point)
by Robyn Carr

17

Here

is a list of newly released books to keep
your kids busy! These are now available in
our local libraries nationwide or anywhere
books are sold:

For Ages 8 to 12:
1. Wednesdays in the Tower by Jessica Day George
2. Big Nate I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Take It! by Lincoln Peirce
3. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Engle

A Note to Children’s books and YA fiction
Authors:
DBR Books reviews children’s and YA fiction books,
which are featured in our magazine.
Reviews are done by the Children’s Book Examiner
for Examiner.com.
Do you have a recently published book in this genre and
would like a free review?
Then contact us at: Editor at dbrdesigns1@gmail.com

ADVERTISE WITH US!
Are you an author or an illustrator? You can now
advertise your books, illustrations, and websites with our
online source for books - The Books Magazine!
For our upcoming issues you can advertise with us and
you'll receive a full page ad!
Ask how you can receive this offer! Email us at
dbrdesigns1@gmail.com